Outstanding Players of Australia
Australia is home to some of the best basketball players in the world. From Boomers in NBA stars to homegrown superstars- Australia’s’ got talent!
Lauren Jackson, David Anderson, Patty Mills, Ben Simmons, Joe Ingles, Mathew Dellavedova and Andrew Bogut, these are just but a few hoopers that have proven to be great ambassadors for the sport, and their success has inspired many young players around the world.
In this article, we will explore the significance, profile and interesting facts of some of the current players. We will begin with Patty Mills, who is the current leader of the San Antonio Spurs and the starting point guard for the Australian Boomers.
Patty Mills is one of the most celebrated basketball players in the National Basketball League (NBL). Born in Melbourne, Australia, Mills is a four-time NBA champion, winning in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 with the San Antonio Spurs. Mills is one of only three Australian born players to win an NBA championship and was the first indigenous Australian to achieve this feat. Mills had a strong start in the NBL playing for the Melbourne tigers in 2011, where he earned the most improved player award and was a crucial Factor in the team’s championship that season. Mills was Australia’s first indigenous flag bearer at the Tokyo Olympics, helping to lead the boomers to a bronze medal, which was the first for an Australian men’s basketball team at an Olympic game, by scoring 42 points against Slovenia. The NBA player and Olympic bronze medallist was nominated not only for his achievements on the court, but also his work off it, including using sport to create opportunities for indigenous youth. Patty’s support for indigenous programs and advocacy for change is well documented. As the founder of the indigenous basketball Australia (IBA) he has created opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres strait islander young people to advance in sport and succeed in life.
Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and was named the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year. Simmons grew up in Melbourne and after playing Australian Rules Football and Basketball, he decided to pursue basketball as a career. In 2013, he was the number one overall pick in the NBL draft by the Melbourne Tigers. Simmons went on to have a successful season with the Melbourne Tigers and was crowned the NBL Rookie of the Year in 2014.Simmons then moved to the United States to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA. He attended the 2016 NBA Draft Combine and was selected with the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was the first Australian to be taken first overall in an NBA draft. Simmons put together an impressive rookie season with the 76ers, averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game and was subsequently named 2016–17 NBA Rookie of the Year. He has since become a cornerstone to the 76ers as they have gone on to become one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Joe Ingles is an Australian professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2009 and has since become a key contributor for the Jazz, helping them reach the 2018 NBA playoffs. Ingles is also a member of the Australian national team and won a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Matthew Dellavedova
Matthew Dellavedova is an Australian professional basketball player who is currently playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He won a gold medal with the Australian national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as well as numerous accolades back home. He is known for his hustling and workmanship, often rubbing off on his teammates. Dellavedova is a leader on the court and a mentor off of it. With his “Delly-Do-It-All” attitude, Dellavedova is an inspiration to fans and players alike as he strives to get the best out of everyone. He has been known to be one of the best three-point shooters in the league, and his ability to get his teammates involved in the offense makes him a great asset to any team. Dellavedova is also a master of defense and can effectively disrupt the flow of an offense with his quick hands and active feet.
David Anderson
David Anderson is an Australian professional basketball player who has had a successful career both internationally and in various leagues around the world. He was born on July 23, 1980, in Melbourne, Australia. Anderson has represented the Australian national team, known as the Boomers, in multiple FIBA World Cup tournaments and Olympic Games. He has been a key contributor to the team’s success, helping them achieve notable results.
Anderson’s professional career spans several countries and leagues. He has played in Europe for teams such as Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, Montepaschi Siena in Italy, and CSKA Moscow in Russia. In 2009, Anderson won the EuroLeague title with CSKA Moscow, showcasing his skill and versatility on the court.
In addition to his success internationally, Anderson has also played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He had a brief stint with the Houston Rockets during the 2004-2005 season, becoming one of the few Australians to play in the NBA at that time.
Known for his strong inside game, Anderson is an excellent post player with a reliable mid-range jump shot. He possesses good footwork, which allows him to create scoring opportunities close to the basket. Anderson’s experience and leadership have made him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Off the court, Anderson is known for his dedication to the sport and his commitment to representing Australia with pride. He has been a role model for aspiring Australian basketball players and has inspired a generation of athletes to pursue their dreams at the highest level.
Overall, David Anderson’s contributions to Australian basketball, both domestically and internationally, have cemented his status as one of the country’s outstanding players. His skill, versatility, and commitment to the game make him a true ambassador for Australian basketball on the global stage.
Andrew Bogut
Andrew Bogut is an Australian professional basketball player who had a successful career both internationally and in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on November 28, 1984, in Melbourne, Australia, Bogut is regarded as one of the greatest Australian basketball players of all time.
Bogut played college basketball at the University of Utah before being selected as the first overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He quickly made an impact in the NBA, earning All-Rookie First Team honors in his debut season. Throughout his NBA career, Bogut played for several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Bogut’s most significant success in the NBA came during his time with the Golden State Warriors. He played a crucial role in the Warriors’ championship-winning season in 2014-2015, providing excellent defense and rebounding as the team’s starting center. His basketball IQ, shot-blocking ability, and passing skills made him a valuable asset to the team’s success.
Internationally, Bogut represented the Australian national team, the Boomers, in various FIBA tournaments. He played in multiple FIBA World Cups and Olympic Games, displaying his skills on the international stage. Bogut’s presence in the paint and defensive prowess greatly contributed to the Boomers’ performances, and he played a significant role in their success.
Off the court, Bogut is known for his outspoken personality and advocacy for player rights. He has been actively involved in discussions regarding fair pay and working conditions for professional basketball players. Bogut’s willingness to speak up and use his platform to address important issues has made him a respected figure within the basketball community.
Lauren Jackson is an Australian former professional basketball player who is considered one of the greatest female basketball players of all time. Born on May 11, 1981, in Albury, New South Wales, Australia, Jackson had an illustrious career that spanned both international play and professional leagues around the world.
Jackson began her professional career in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) at the age of 16. She quickly made an impact, earning multiple MVP awards and leading her team, the Canberra Capitals, to multiple championships. Her dominance in the WNBL caught the attention of international scouts, and she soon became a sought-after player in international leagues.
Internationally, Jackson represented the Australian Opals, the national women’s basketball team, in numerous FIBA tournaments. She played in four Olympic Games, winning three silver medals and one bronze medal. Jackson’s versatility as a player, with her ability to score from inside and outside, made her a formidable force on the court. She was known for her athleticism, skill, and competitiveness, and she consistently performed at a high level against some of the best players in the world.
In addition to her international success, Jackson had an impressive career in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in the United States. She played for the Seattle Storm for 12 seasons and led the team to two WNBA championships in 2004 and 2010. Jackson’s accolades in the WNBA include multiple MVP awards and All-Star selections. She retired from professional basketball in 2016 due to persistent injuries but left a lasting legacy as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball history.
Off the court, Jackson has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including supporting organizations focused on indigenous rights, youth empowerment, and health initiatives. Her impact extends beyond the basketball court, as she continues to inspire young athletes and advocate for women’s sports.
There are several others worth mentioning if we had the space to so look out for a continuation of this where we highlight some of the other players like Luc Longley, Cayla George, Dante Xum and many others.
